She said: “There will always be people who become unwell and need inpatient care but for those who don’t, what is important is ongoing support. There needs to be a shift of resources to develop these services, particularly in Angus. People need to see progress.”

Dundee-based Labour MSP Jenny Marra said similar claims had been made at the last annual review and demanded to know what is being done to find the additional savings needed.

Connell said providing safe patient care remains a priority and reducing spending was not like “turning off a tap”.

●The number of young people with mental health problems being treated in non-specialised wards has fallen by more than 40 per cent, from 135 to 71, the Mental Welfare Commission report has found.